STAY WELL & SPARKLE – Aisha

Dr. Sam Christian
Dr. Sam Christian

Her 3 year old son frolicked on her colleague’s lap. He was playing with Spanish teacher Alex Marquez’s phone. “I’m calling Mommy in heaven,” he kept giggling. In the pew ahead, his 8-month old sister was cooing, pulling at necklaces, hair, glasses or whatever was within range of those cute, baby fingers. A trail of teary-eyed teachers took turns trying to comfort the little innocents, who for now, needed no comforting.

Not being the treating physician, I am not privy to specifics of this case. So when Aisha’a father, Mr. Sylvester Mark came to my office simply to say thanks for sharing in their time of mourning, I had no choice but to respect his wishes. More than anything else, he wanted to do whatever he could to save any other parent the pain of having to say farewell to a child this way.

So fast

All the Dominica Grammar School staff and students knew was that the energetic Ms. Aisha Valentine Mark had a beautiful baby girl in May last year. She had plunged right back into teaching with the same gusto with which she competed as a carnival queen contestant. She was so much in the thick of things during Independence celebrations that they were not too perturbed when she complained of some shortness of breath in early December. Next thing they knew, Christmas met her bravely battling in the ICU. A chest mass was responsible for her symptoms, but from where? Did it happen overnight, or was it related to her recent pregnancy? Irrespective, by the time her mid-February namesake birthday approached, we were celebrating her life.

Kathleen Cornelius, business teacher and breast cancer survivor, took it really hard. As Dominica Cancer Society president, and like those near and dear to Aisha, her world was rocked by the dizzying speed with which all this transpired.

If you are like the rest of us, you must be asking yourself, “Is it just me, or is the cancer rate really increasing?” Well, it is. Data from Health Information at Princess Margaret Hospital clearly confirms that. Environment Health officials recently resolved the asbestos scare at schools in the Bath Estate area. It turned out to be mould which was appropriately sanitized. They have not formally investigated the Dominica Grammar School for cancer causing agents. However, the entire staff remains concerned especially as Ms. Mark was by no means not the first teacher thus affected.

 

Breast cancer in pregnancy

So while this is indeed a terrible time, it is a very teachable moment. Pregnancy breast cancer most commonly affects women in their mid 30’s. At age 33, Ms. Mark would not have even had that first mammogram traditionally recommended at age 35. (If normal, the following one is usually at age 40 and annually/biannual thereafter).

Let’s be realistic about it, women who are not as ‘bosom-blessed’ are often ecstatic at how great they look during pregnancy. While this is a fairly natural response, it is precisely these same breast changes that mask lumps, making them harder to detect.  As a result, these lumps get noticed later and at a more advanced stage.  Mammograms are not as helpful in this time frame either because of the increased tissue density. Instead, doctors more frequently utilize ultrasound in order to avoid harming the fetus with xrays. Breast cancer in general is devastating enough. Breast cancer in younger, pre-menopausal women tends to be more aggressive. When occuring in pregnancy, it cannot get any worse – it’s breast cancer on steroids.

Why so dangerous?

The motto of Fire Services personnel is  “A child with a match is a child to watch.” An arsonist though, goes beyond that to do his dirty deed. Experts can tell from certain patterns whether an arsonist used an accelerant: fuel. In much the same way, the hormonal surges of breast cancer serves as an accelerant for breast cancer. It feeds the flames of a raging fire. Does that make sense? In fact, one of the most potent breast cancer medicines is the anti-estrogen, Tamoxifen.

Thanks to our frontline medical experts: pre-natal and delivery nurses, many lives have been saved by picking up a suspicious breast lump before it can do its dirty deed. Stakeholders passionate about early detection ensure that the word goes out far and wide in Dominica. But like the parable of the sower, birds sometimes come and eat some seeds before they can take root. Tried and true follow-up protocols can end up being replaced by myths and old wives tales like taking sea baths and such.

Treatment options

Monthly prenatal visits often highlight weight, blood pressure, sugar and leg swelling. Breast check-ups are occasionally relegated to a lower priority when this is actually the perfect time to reinforce routine monthly self examination. Even after delivery, lumps may be confused with mastitis and treated with warm compresses. 

All suspicious lumps should be biopsied. A lump found to be cancerous during pregnacy poses a real dilemma. Some doctors recommend termination of the pregnancy in order to go full speed ahead with chemotherapy and radiation which could harm the fetus. This option, however, is not in the Rule-book of conscientious people. Some have chosen to carry the baby to term and deal with the consequences. Again I am speaking generally here.

The bottom line is that mastectomy remains the only viable option during pregnancy, especially during the first and second trimester when the baby is being formed in the inwards parts. After delivery, it is consoling to provide reassurance to mothers that breast feeding is not a danger to the baby.

Pregnancy can take a serious physiological toll on the expectant mother’s body. Furthermore, they are not only increasingly suseceptible to the risk of abuse and neglect, but also to breast cancer at its worst. At the end of the day, even the wealthiest, most faithful and most diligent of us may not be immune, despite the best efforts at screening. 

Along the way, Pastor Randy Rodney met with Grammar School staff for prayer and counseling. Fr. Branker John in his moving homily focused mourners on the God of all comfort, the “Resurrection and the Life.” In that way, family and friends were able to better work through their grief and meditate on the circle of life. Mr. Sylvester and other loved ones were thereby able to bring themselves to a position where they could give thanks and praise – gratitude for the awesome joy that Aisha brought into all our lives.

Dr. Sam Christian is surgeon and health activist. He runs the Urgent Care on 137 Bath Road, which offers prompt medical treatment, surgery and acupuncture. He is radio host of the Medical Minute, Medical Adviser to the Dominica Cancer Society and author of the faith and fitness nutrition book, ‘Mannafast Miracle.’ Dr. Christian can be reached at 440-9133 or by writing to [email protected].

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37 Comments

  1. February 18, 2014

    Great and timely information!!! Keep up the good work.

  2. February 18, 2014

    Nonetheless, disease, sickness, and the simple discomfort of our bodies can elevate and destroy us right to the point of death, because of the condition of our mind. Less than 3 months into the diagnosis of “breast cancer” and the body is gone; that is so hard to envisage.

    I repeat the message of wise old King Solomon, who said: “A merry heart does good of medicine but a broken spirit dries the bones” Proverb 17: 22

    That would be the same between a “joyous condition of the mind against the broken condition. Because it is well proven that the cells of the body responds to the process and production of the mind–a negative mind condition is bad for the body

    Many people believe that the things of the mind is not important–like they will say: “It is all in your mind–that would mean that you are being “paranoid” etc, so get rid of that thing in your mind, instead of investigating it.

    But there is no path of Life in us, if that path is not on the grounds of the “mind” for the grounds of the mind is the battle field of mans existence in this world–depending on his walk.

    And so as the mind process and produce the negative thoughts–like I am sick and I am going to die– the cells of the body responds to that message of the mind and prepares the body for death.

    The same is said about the thoughts of good health and Life in the mind–the body cells does the same work by preparing the body to remain healthy and to live.

    Many times I have been feeling sick and so I decide that I should go see my doctor. And many of those times before I enter the doctors office I don’t have any discomfort in my body–I sometimes have to tell about it.

    The reason for that is because I am thinking of “feeling better” after I see the doctor, the thought of it makes me feel better even to the point I have to tell him that I don’t feel sick anymore.

    And so our sickness or disease cannot Always be the cause of our physical death, in most cases that sickness is healed–to the point that no man can understand it.

    Our condition of the physical body, will depend on the feeding of our minds to the cells of that body–by the positive power of our mind, we can be healed from our sicknesses, but we have to know this about self–that we might speak against poor health and death of our physical.

    God wants Life in us and this Life in us will conquer that death that belongs in our mortal body, as we learn to exist by faith in the authority of God, the Lord–For by His stripes we can be healed both physically and Spiritually–but faith without works is dead.

    • February 18, 2014

      Just like Aisha Mark, my son’s Father came to me one day in 2011 and he told me that his cousin had passed away–she was in her middle fifties,

      He told me that she was taken to the hospital with a severe coughing–which had never happened to her before–that was in the month of July 2011. He told me that her diagnosis was “Lung Cancer”–that was in September 2011. And by the end of October she was dead–that would be only 4 months from the time she felt sick, to know what was her sickness, and the time she passed away in the body–my goodness!

      It is certain that everyone accepted the reason for her death to be “Lung Cancer” but how much did the condition of her mind contributed to that passing away in her body?

      It must be because of my faith which causes me to be Spiritually sensitive–that I am so quick to examine those Truth of the Spirit. And of course the mind is the “central processing unit” of the Spirit self.

      My son’s father’s cousin said to her mother, while she was in the hospital: “You are losing a daughter” that is obvious that there was nothing but the thought of death in her mind; it means that she never turned away from that thought, until it took her body away from her existence in this world and maybe even for Life itself–that is if she went to her grave with an un-awakened soul within that body of hers.

      That is the reason we need to be careful about the thoughts in our mind and to investigate the path by which they come, before we allow to manifest in their distinctive form through our attitude and conducts, along with the uncontrollable manifestation of physical death.

      That is one of the reasons I cannot tolerate the way some Dominicans are mouthing down their own homeland–because I am aware that this mouthing is bad for Dominica; but the worst part is that it only comes from the mouth of those who do not know what they are saying–much more to know the kind of turmoil that they are calling for, against the sincere people of our homeland.

  3. Dr. Martin Christmas
    February 17, 2014

    Great article Dr. Christian. I sure hope that many readers benefit from the information and join the fight against breast cancer. Early detection is the key and we must be Vigilant.
    Keep up the good work Doc and sincerest condolences to the family of Mrs. Mark.

  4. Bosom buddy
    February 17, 2014

    Dr. Sam gave a good summary here, if you want to hear it in his own words:

    https://soundcloud.com/dr-sam-6/pregnancy-breast-cancer

    I still prefer to read it. A tough topic, but more interesting detail…

  5. yes
    February 17, 2014

    food for thought well put together. These are what we need to talk about and not blasfem others politically

  6. sad
    February 17, 2014

    This article brought tears to my eyes. There areas many unanswered questions and what ifs. It’s sad that a young vibrant woman had to lose her life…

  7. Anonymous
    February 17, 2014

    This article brought tears to my eyes. There areas many unanswered questions and what ifs. It’s sad that a young vibrant woman had to lose her life…

  8. Onlooker
    February 17, 2014

    Great article Doc. Very informative

  9. Marie
    February 17, 2014

    Thanks for this information Dr. Christian

  10. Anonymous
    February 17, 2014

    Dr. Sam, I love your style of writing and I always look forward to the invaluable information that you share. Could I get a piece on the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?

  11. Faithful Dominican
    February 17, 2014

    Very good article doctor. Keep it up

  12. Anonymous
    February 17, 2014

    great article!

  13. Simply the Truth
    February 16, 2014

    I read of Aisha’s passing on DNO and was deeply saddened also concerning her age. It is strange that today I was out and she ran across my mind. On Friday I attended a funeral in Toronto. That evening I was informed of someone in Toronto whom I know who died of cancer. This person was a friendly and outgoing person. I thought, “Oh my, everyone is going.” It probably was after that Aisha crossed my mind due to the diagnosis of her illness which caused her demise. I keep her soul in my prayers.
    We must also consider those who have had several children who never had cancer and lived to a ripe old age; some are still living. We are aware that not everyone will contract similar illnesses.
    Why Aisha developed cancer, only God knows. It may be that her time came to vacate the world. We are told we are allotted a certain time. I recall during a Good Friday Service, the Priest stated during his Homily, “For some, it is a short journey. For others it is a long one.” This is evident depending on our life span.
    Some people younger than her and obviously older develop all sorts of diseases including leukemia, even babies and young children. I have heard of a few young people who died in their sleep or who died of a heart attack. If only we knew why. Again, only God knows.
    We are also told that improper nutrition could be a contributing factor to developing cancer. As many speculate, who really knows?
    For us human beings with our limited minds, be it the medical profession who are well-learned in such matters, it is difficult to determine and conclude the reason why Aisha contracted breast cancer. The Lord alone who has the answer knows why.
    Her two young children cannot fully grasp this situation that their mother is no longer among them as her father and other adult members of her family. As they grow older and realize it, it may hit them like a rock and will even say, “I want my mother.” It is difficult for children. My heart goes out to them. They will need the courage and strength of their family as they explain it to them.
    I did think them and hoped that they will receive appropriate nurturing and disciplining to aid them throughout their young life to adulthood. This is what Aisha would want for them. If she had her way she would have remained with them and as a proud mother would have been instrumental in ensuring their well-being. She is, no doubt, looking down on them from above and will assist in protecting them.
    My condolence to her family. The pain and memory of a departed loved one is ever so near and present.
    Rest In Peace, Aisha! You are ahead of us. One day, sooner or later when our time is up we will be bound to follow, hopefully to meet you and be with you on the other side, including our departed relatives and friends as God ordained which He prepared for his faithful people. Oh Happy Day!

    • February 18, 2014

      @Simply the Truth February 16, 2014

      When you are writing your post–especially if it is going to be long, like the one above, please leave a space between your paragraphs, can you?

      This is something I learned in College where I was preparing to be a writer at the business office; thanks to God I learned those features of writing. For I benefited from them; today I have a Book of 275 pages waiting to send to a publishing company–God’s will be done–I will capitalize from the work of the past, today, and the future.

      Also this kind of feature in writing is good for the eye, when reading disturbs my vision, my mind becomes distractive and even if I try to read the “presentation” by staring over and over, I can never finish, and so I do not know what you wrote above, without the line space in between paragraphs I am awfully distracted–especially if the writing is not easy flowing. Please understand.

      • Simply the Truth
        February 19, 2014

        Liza, :twisted: :mrgreen: you are at it again, instructing people. You seem to spoil everything, even this article. You love to annoy people. In my view, not a godly person. If I could cross off your comment I would.
        People have to read your writing. If you have problems reading, purchase a new pair of glasses or do not read the writing. I am not selling you anything. You are not buying anything from me.
        I recall you stated you have problems with your ears, etc. If you are a sick person, go and see a doctor and stay away from the computer.
        I know why I write in this manner. It is for the same reason, not to make it too long or any longer. This is the manner in which I have been writing for the Media; not only DNO. No one asked you to read it. I do not even read your long writings because I do not care for them.
        DNO should not have allowed your writing. Who are you anyway to give anyone advice? You are out of place! You ask for trouble because you like trouble and are a troublemaker. You are another one I would not want to meet and mingle with.
        Do you know me? Do you know who I am? I have gone to Business College and have my degree in it including receiving certificates and diplomas. Cease bragging about what you studied, if you ever did for you do not know me. Some of you tell too many lies. No one asked you.
        I am not in competition with you. If I have to compete with anyone, it will, by no means not you. I also do not know you and I do not want to know you.
        There is always someone more educated than you are. I wonder what sort of education you have? In any case I do not want to know; I am not interested and I do not care.
        You utilize this Website to start a fight with people. If it is not Telemaque, it is me or someone else. You who lack peace, take a back step and seat forever. :twisted: :mrgreen:
        When I write personal letters or at work, I leave two spaces which is the manner in which I was taught ever since I learned to type. I am certain that my schooling was far better than yours and respectful. You do not respect people.
        You are out of place to give me a proficient person advice. Keep your advice for yourself. Go hide yourself elsewhere and put your face in the sand. Choose the uneducated to give advice to. People like you pose a health hazard to others.
        I am asking you in future, to mind your own business. You do not know any more than I do. I have previously informed you “DO NOT RESPOND TO MY WRITING.” Keep your views to yourself for they mean nothing to me.
        Write in whatever manner you wish. I will write in whatever manner I wish. You will note that I have never given you advice because for one, I do not want to have anything to do with you whatsoever. Furthermore, it is not my business if your writing is long or in whatever manner you write. This is for DNO to decide. This is why I find you downright out of place to give me advice. Go fly a kite and whatever else to release your frustrations, unhappiness and envy.
        This Website is not to be used as a sounding board. You would not make a good neighbor nor even a friend. Learn from me and keep the peace including your peace. You are warned! Always keep this in mind. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

      • February 19, 2014

        @Simple and Truth the old Justice and Truth “This is the manner in which I have been writing for the Media; not only DNO. No one asked you to read it. I do not even read your long writings because I do not care for them.
        DNO should not have allowed your writing”

        I didn’t think that you would take this as an offence–I am even surprised

        Anyway I have never have to change my “identity” here to hide from the audience–why do you think that DNO should not allow my writing?

        As a matter of fact they allow it because I am a good writer–which is a commendation for their website–that is what I tried to show you concerning your writing format, but you quickly take offence–my goodness gracious me!

        It seem as if Francisco is one of your favorite posters—take a look at his writing format. End of story!

  14. Francisco Telemaque
    February 16, 2014

    Cellular immunity undoubtedly plays some part in one’s ability to stop the growth of cancer cells, it is believed that most persons develop many small cancers in their lifetime; however, do not develop clinical signs because their defense mechanisms destroy the malignant cells, and prevent their replication. Oncologists recognize that environmental, hereditary, and biological factors play an important role in the development of cancer.

    Major Risk Factors For Cancer.

    Long:
    Heavy smoker over age 50 smoke a pack per day for twenty years
    Cigarette cough
    Start smoking at age 15 or prior

    Breast:
    Lump or nipple discharge
    History of breast cancer
    Close relatives with history of breast cancer
    Over 35; especially 50
    Never have children; first child after age 30

    Colon-rectum:
    History of rectal polyps
    Rectal polyps run in family
    History of ulcerative colitis
    Blood in stool
    Over age 40

    Uterine-cervical:
    Unusual bleeding or discharge
    Frequent sex in early teens or with many partners
    Low-income background
    Poor care during, or following pregnancy; Age 40-49

    Uterine-endometrial:
    Unusual bleeding or discharge
    Late menopause(after age 55)
    Diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity; Age 50-64

    Skin:
    Excessive exposure to the sun
    Fair complexion
    Work with coal tar, pitch, or creosote

    Oral:
    Heavy smoker and drinker
    Poor oral hygiene

    Ovary:
    History of ovarian cancer among close relatives: Age 50-59

    Prostate:
    Over age 65
    Difficulty in urinating

    Stomach:
    History of stomach cancer among close relatives
    Diet heavy in smoke, pickled, or salted foods
    Some link with blood group “A”

    That is enough information for now it might take me there more episode to state most of what I know about cancer. Maybe later I’ll go into environmental causes and TNM Staging System.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Francisco Telemaque
      February 17, 2014

      This is a continuation from the last bit I wrote, and so I will concentrate on Environmental causes at this time.

      Environmental causes are believed to account for at lest 50% ad perhaps, in some types, as much as 80% of all cancers: I. e., cigarette smoking is directly related to approximately 90% of all cancers of the lung. Other environmental carcinogens include industrial pollutants, and radiation; among the chemical carcinogens are arsenic from mining, and smelting industries; asbestos from insulation, at construction sites, and power plants. Benzene from oil refineries, solvents, and insecticides; and products from coal combustion in steal, and petrochemical industries. Each year new products that in all probability are carcinogenic are being produced by industrial operations; a major concern is the occupational, and environmental hazards these chemicals present to those who work in, or live near these plants.

      Radiation from prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet rays from the sun, and from injudicious use of diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures involving x-rays, and radioactive substances is also an significant factor in the incidence of cancer, particularly in the development of cancer of the skin, bone marrow, and thyroid. Hormones, especially the synthetic estrogens given to prevent spontaneous abortion, are directly related to some cancers of the female reproductive organs. Viruses as causal agents in the development of cancer have been subjected to intensive research efforts in recent years. The epidemiologic evidence is strongest for a relationship between hepatitis B virus, and hepatocellular carcinoma, and for human T-cell leukemia, lymphoma virus HTLV) and T-cell lymphoma; both have a geographic distribution of cancer prevalence, viral infections as well as case by case association.

      Right now maybe I should simply cut it here so as not to make it to complicated to understand; since I would also have to comment on HIV, EBV, HPV and all; so I will end it with a short table:

      TNM Staging System
      T: Primary Tumor
      TX Primary tumor is not assessable
      TO No evidence of primary tumor
      Tis Carcinoma in stu
      T1, T2, T3, T4, Progressive increase in tumor size and involvement locally

      N: Regional Lymph Nodes
      NX Nodes are not assessable
      NO No metastasis to regional lymph nodes
      N1, N2, N3 Increasing degrees of involvement of regional lymph nodes

      Note: Extension of primary tumor directly into lymph nodes is considered metastasis to lymph nodes.
      Metastasis to a lymph node beyond the regional ones are considered to be a distant metastasis.

      M: Distant metastasis
      MX Presence of distant metastasis is not
      assessable
      MO No distant metastasis
      MI Presence of distant metastasis

      Someone may ask what does that have to do with cancer; the answer is everything: Plenty; sorry I cannot complete it.

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  15. me
    February 16, 2014

    Well written doc. Thank u

  16. Grateful
    February 16, 2014

    This is very useful information i hope all readers are very appreciative. Men this is not for the women only men too do get this disgusting illness. Stay healthy God Bless

  17. Francisco Telemaque
    February 16, 2014

    “Pregnancy breast cancer most commonly affects women in their mid 30’s. At age 33,”

    From the quote above doc, I picture you are perhaps specialists in that field, and since I am less knowledgeable in regards specialize way I am not able to comment as a someone who specialized in that field of medicine.

    Nevertheless, I know a great amount about Cancer, and I hope you do not mind me submitting some general information, which every General Practitioner should have at their finger tips. Cancer is any malignant, cellular tumor. The term cancer encompasses a group of neoplastic diseases in which there is a transformation of normal body cells into malignant ones. This probably involves some change in the genetic material of the cells, DNA, (deoxyribonucleic acid).

    Oncogenes are the genes that organisms have evolved to regulate growth, and repair of tissues. They are genetic codes for the proteins that function as signals that cells send and receive to regulate proliferation. These oncogenes are the targets of carcinogens. Mutation, and transformation of oncogenes may permanently affect a cell’s ability to control cell growth. Damage to the cells’ genetic material maybe caused by carcinogenic agents. Normal cell lines can be transformed into cancer cells by viruses, chemical carcinogens, and radiation. Transformed cell lines have the ability to develop into malignant neoplasms; transformed cells may also be recognized by other characteristics which include altered antigenicity, diminished contact inhibition, reduced requirements for certain nutrients, and the ability to grow in suspension.

    The altered cells pass on inappropriate genetic information to their offspring, and begin to proliferate in an abnormal, and destructive way. Normally, cells reproduce regularly to replace worn-out tissues to repair injuries, and to allow for growth during the developing years. When the tissues have been replaced, injuries repaired, or growth completed, cellular reproduction stops. Clearly the body in its normal processes regulates cell growth in an orderly manner. In cancer, there is no regulation, and cell reproduction, and growth is disorderly; the dangers of cancer are related to this chaotic reproduction of malignant cells.

    As the cancer cells continue to proliferate, the mass of abnormal tissues that they form enlarges, ulcerates, and begins to shed cells that spread the disease locally or to distant sites. This migration is called metastasis; some cells penetrate neighboring tissues, destroying normal cells, and taking their place. Others enter the blood stream, and lymphatic vessels, and is carried along in the fluid to another part of the body. Another way in which malignancy can be spread is by entering a body cavity, and coming into contact with a healthy organ; however, this is not a common means by which metastasis occurs.

    Causes: It is doubtful that a single process is involved in the etiology of all cancers; the exact cause of the conversion of normal cells into cancerous ones is still not completely understood. An important factor is permanent alteration in the DNA of the cell, which is passed on to subsequent generations, however, we do not know what triggers the change in DNA structure and why some people succumb to a cancer, and others do not.

    I quit here to avoid being to long, but shall return with a follow up!

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • FF2B
      February 17, 2014

      First, Doc as usual, excellent piece! We all learn, sympathize with the family and have some good stuff to pass on to our loved ones. Appreciate it.

      The comment by FE-DT is disrespectful to such a grassroots-explained article by Doc. Sam for him to write about DNA and Oncogenes etc. We all can get that information by Google-ing! The Dr. gave a true life story and his experience as a practitioner and also FREE medical consultation to us. Thank you Doc.

      • Francisco Telemaque
        February 19, 2014

        “So while this is indeed a terrible time, it is a very teachable moment. Pregnancy breast cancer most commonly affects women in their mid 30’s. At age 33, Ms. Mark would not have even had that first mammogram traditionally recommended”(Dr. Sam Christian).

        You see a fool cannot help exposing his or her stupidity since they can only understand what comes from their own thoughts; The reason you talked about disrespect, is because you do not have the intelligence, nor the capacity to understand what I wrote, and conveyed.

        If you can read as well as you babble, and spew venom you will remember I suggest Dr. might be a specialist in the field of: “Pregnancy breast cancer.”

        You see in the quote above, everything I wrote in the three pieces I wrote, is based solely on: “Pregnancy breast cancer most commonly affects women in their mid 30’s. At age 33,” those are the words of Sam Christian MD. So, if I am disrespectful then you are suggesting that doctor Christian is also disrespectful. Your thoughts and opinions are that of a fool. Tell me in your own words what is DNA! I will tell you; it is better for me to educate you than allowing you to die stupid. For your information when you see the abbreviation “DNA” it simply means “deoxyribonucleic acid” which is a nucleic acid of complex molecular structures occurring in cell nuclei as the basic structures of the genes; it is the road map to human life!

        DNA is present in all body cells of every species, including unicellular organisms, and DNA viruses. The first structure of DNA was first described in 1953 by J. D. Watson and F. H. C. Crick. DNA molecules are linear polymers of small molecules called nucleotides, each of which consists of one molecule of the five-carbon sugar deoxyribose bonded to a phosphate group, and to one of four heterocyclic nitrogenous compounds referred to as bases. A single strand of DNA is made by linking the nucleotides together in a chain with bonds between the sugar, and phosphate groups of adjacent nucleotides. It thus consists of a backbone of alternating sugar, and phosphate groups with a base attached to each sugar as a side chain.

        The four bases are two purines, adenine (A) and guanine (G), and two pyrimidines, cytosine (C), and thymine (T). Single-stranded DNA can be synthesized with any specified sequence of bases, however, in living cells the base sequence has a meaning: it specifies the amino acid sequence of all of the polypeptides, and proteins made by cell.

        I think I have wasted enough time on you, to continue I would have to go into the configuration of DNA double-stranded, touch on RNA, and mRNA and all that I will leave you to struggle with the information I have given you for free, it may not help you much unless you are an Health Science Major; if you are that ignorant to say I am disrespectful because I wrote about cancer, and DNA, you must be someone with less than a kindergarten education. Whoever you are if you do not understand what you read, just shut up, because you will cause yourself some embarrassment when you open you mouth.

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  18. rest til your maker
    February 16, 2014

    I know you didnt have a nice time toward the end with a nurse threating to send you to the psychiatric unit and a heartless doctor telling you it s just a matter of time. You were hurt. But now dear you are resting in peace. May God guides and protects your three babies.

    • DC
      February 17, 2014

      Most of the nurses are in the profession for the monetary compensation. They lack the characteristics of being a nurse. They have no empathy and sympathy. I can attest to this. These nurses must be held accountable. I am appealing to the authorities to address this situation asap. We must remind these employees that a hospital is to help save lives and not to assist in the death of patients. Sad! Authorities, I am pleading to you to address this urgently .

  19. just saying
    February 16, 2014

    In my heart you will live on Aisha.

  20. February 16, 2014

    It is strange that Aisha, complained of breast discomfort in December and within two months of her complaint, she was gone from the body. For me this sound so much like it happened overnight–as Dr, Christian insinuated (even if he may not have been serious) Is that possible as well?

    I have heard of breast cancer in people form all over, but I have never heard of a person being founded with that “diagnosis” and dead within less 3 months. Could that death be from breast cancer as well?

    I personal knew a lady friend who was much older than I am, at the time. She was the one who first asked me how old I was when I was complaining of all sorts of things discomfort taking charge against my body. When I told her how old I was, she suggested that I had entered the stage of “Change of Life process” another term that meant “pre-menopause” and “menopause” itself. From then I started to research, because I wasn’t prepared for that sort of thing.

    By that time she had already gone through surgery for breast cancer–that surgery meant that one of her breast was sicker was removed, maybe both of them–I am not sure; I did not ask her.

    She continue to live for quit some years, after her surgery, but she was never healed from that kind of disease–she succumbed to breast cancer some years after her surgery.

    Anyway mammogram is s very “uncomfortable” kind of testing; I had one in 1996, and I am glad that I never went through that again–thanks to God that I wasn’t sent into this world to suffer and from breast cancer.

    And my hope is that if I am to leave my body, it won’t be because any disease of the flesh had victory against me. Otherwise God’s Love would not be glorified through me.

    That is what I always remind Him of, each time I am at my lows–and it always works for me; as He takes me right back to the Spirit where Life is in its “complete” and “perfect” condition condition.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      February 17, 2014

      For me this sound so much like it happened overnight–as Dr, Christian insinuated (even if he may not have been serious) Is that possible as well?(Elizabeth).

      Elizabeth, I hope I read you correctly, and I will not make myself look foolish by not writing the correct response to your comment in the quote above. However, I must say to you it is not only possible, it’s not a probability, it is a fact, it can happen over night!

      Maybe you read where I wrote about this lady from Arizona, who’s sister is my personal nurse, if you remember the one who travels with me when I am on the road; well last year remember I wrote, she has a sister who has never been sick, or felt sick one day in her life, until one evening last year she accidentally bumped her left breast into the bathroom door of her house.

      A day or so, later she began to feel pain, while massaging the breast, she felt a small lump, she spoke to me and her sister on the phone about it, we advised her to come to Los Angeles where we took her to a cancer specialist, who decided to go in and do a biopsy, by the time they put her to sleep, and the doctor took specimen out and analyzed it, he did not wake her, he carry out an immediate mastectomy of the Breast.

      No need to tell you she was already in T 4 state. Beyond that is death! This lady is at this very moment at my house recuperating from surgery, we are talking her to get treated weakly.

      I wrote a first piece on this topic in which I disclosed plenty of information on cancer, if DNO print it, please read it.

      I intend to write some more on the same topic, but I do not want to spend time writing if they are not posting them.

      FET.

      • February 19, 2014

        Okay! Okay! Don’t get so excited over my comments–it may not be good for your heart

        I wasn’t referring to the knowledge of the disease in people, everyone who gets sick–they discovered it in their at a certain time.

        I was talking about the brief time from discovering the sickness and the passing away of that person–as it happened to Aisha, and my son’s Father’s cousin–I spoke about her in my post above–as I focused on the condition our our mind and what it can do to our cells–both negatively and positively–for the mind is the ground of both Life and death in us depending on the seeds which we nurture on its ground.

        My son’s Father’s cousin was diagnosed with lung cancer in August and she was dead by the end of October in 2011.

        This is not the same situation with your girlfriend’s sister; according to you she is still alive, and as long as she remains alive from the time of her diagnosis–she remains a different case

        And I cannot read all that stuff from you–it makes my head go spinning around like a yoh yoh–but that too is bad for me. Thank you anyway!

  21. February 16, 2014

    PRAISE THE LORD.

    Thank You Dr For Remembering Aisha. What An Article ! Such a Way Of Talking Of Aisha and Family. Doctor You went beyond To Share LOVE, Teach,Warn,Council, Give Word For Comfort, To Think,To Look within and To Call On THE LORD And Depend Totally On HIM.

    Thank You For Taking Time and Interest In The Health, Mind, Lifestyle,and Well Being Of People. Sir for Such Is Sharing LOVE.GOD IS LOVE.Many Blessings
    To All Who Share LOVE Thank You.
    Dno Thank You and keep Up The Good Work.

    LORD THANK YOU FOR Aisha and Family and People And All You Gave.YOU ARE GOD ,AMEN.

  22. Fachine
    February 16, 2014

    Thanks Doc. Very sad. Ladies please be conscious of your bodies and go to the doctor is you see or feel anything suspicious. We cannot afford to lose so many young people on this small island.

  23. opinionated
    February 16, 2014

    very interesting. thanks for dedicating this issue to Aisha

  24. Da.
    February 16, 2014

    Dr. Christian, all I can say to you is Thank you.

  25. AmazingFace
    February 16, 2014

    A good article once again Doc. However, I wonder if your research at PMH revealed the number of teachers stricken with breast cancer over women in other careers?

    Doctor, I firmly believe STRESS is the #1 culprit as the leading cause of breast cancer among teachers and other women.

  26. Bala
    February 16, 2014

    Thank you Doc, you are blessed.

  27. Erasmus B. Black
    February 15, 2014

    This is such an extremely poignant and heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life. My deepest condolences to Ms. Mark’s family and loved ones. May God bless and guide the young ones she left behind.

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